February
There are still large numbers of adult swans on Layman Road wetlands and we hope there is sufficient food to support them. With the continuous development of the canal project one wonders where they can go next.
Watch for Reptiles
In and around Busselton the main reptile brought into care would have to be the Blue Tongue Lizard or Bobtail Goanna, whatever you like to call it. Officially it is a Shingle back Lizard. An easy victim of dogs, cats, cars and lawn mowers, these harmless, friendly reptiles inhabit the sand dunes, reserves, nature strips and most of all backyards where they may have a nibble from your strawberry or tomato patch, but will eat your bugs and snails in return.
Ideally there is a pair who stay together for life, so don’t be tempted to remove one from its area. Do leave shallow dishes of water, they do get thirsty especially after hibernation in spring. Make sure they can easily get out of your water dish - they may drown in a deep dish.
There is no fear of being bitten by this lizard. If you do get your finger in its mouth it will be held by gums and suction not teeth - it has none. Should you encounter this reptile it is a good idea to pick it up by the back of the neck whilst supporting its body under its back legs and inspect it for ticks, especially in its ears. It is quite muscular and will twist and squirm, so hold it firmly but gently, preferably wrapping it in a soft cloth. Remove ticks with tweezers and replace it nearby in a safe spot.
When driving, particularly in spring when ‘Bobbies’ warm themselves on sealed roads, do try to avoid them. They are slow moving and easily straddled, or otherwise avoided, without putting yourself at risk. There is nothing brave or clever in running over a small defenceless animal with such a big weapon. Dogs on walks running loose, should be controlled and before mowing your lawn, inspect the area particularly under shrub or long grass.
Another reptile that manages to get itself into trouble is the Swamp or Oblong Turtle. The culprit here is mostly traffic when the turtles leave the wetlands to lay their eggs from September to about January or when one body of water dries up and they move to another.
The eggs hatch after about 200 days and babies are found trying to make their way to the nearest wetland. They are the size of a 10 to 20 cent piece and very cute. They are great to raise in a fish tank, but take forever to grow large enough for release. Adults can be as large as dinner plates.
If you encounter an adult with no obvious injuries to the body or skull in a dangerous area such as a road or its verge, return it to the nearest wetland. It will emit a very strong, foul odour so wrap it, carry it in a box, or secure it in the boot if not going far. If the turtle is injured or a juvenile, please bring it in for care. If it is laying eggs in a safe place, please leave it be.
Swamp Turtles have long necks and legs. Don’t confuse them with Marine Turtles whose babies are sometimes washed up on our beaches - they have short necks and flippers. Swamp Turtles must be returned to the swamp and Sea Turtles must be returned to warm northern seas.
King Skinks are large black skinks that live in our backyards in family groups - mum, dad, kids, hidden under woodpiles or junk. They are harmless and great to observe. Just like bobtails they eat snails and insects, as well as mice and other small reptiles, including snakes, and I suspect occasionally bird eggs and chicks, but they don’t seem to upset the balance very much.
Very rarely do they need care, they stay in their home area and when the young are ready these are sent off to fend for themselves. There could be up to eleven young, but only a fraction of these reach maturity. These Skinks seem to adapt well to urban life.
There is an assortment of small lizards and dragons - all beautiful, all interesting and all in need of your protection. These are daytime animals and cats, yours included, are not kind to these small creatures. So please do be aware and control your cat day and night.
No feature about reptiles would be complete without mentioning snakes. In the Busselton area Tiger Snakes and Dugites are our main residents. Both are venomous and should not be approached. There are experts, who will advise and in some cases remove a resident snake. FAWNA, CALM or the Shire will all inform you of your nearest reptile removalist.
Most snakes you encounter are just moving through and you will probably not see them again. However, if they decide to become a resident, you may need advice or help.
All reptiles - other than snakes - needing care can be caught by throwing a towel or such over the animal and scooping it up tucking in the legs. It may then be put into an open weave pillow slip, tied loosely at the top or contained in a carton of appropriate size. We must know details of where the animal was found so we can return it to this habitat if suitable.
We are loosing our wildlife at an alarming rate, but we can, if everyone cares and tries, still turn the tide so that future generations can enjoy what we have now - which is much diminished since my childhood. This also means keeping healthy habitats for each species!
Mabel Bell